GID 92: Letterpress Printing
Studio practice in letterpress printing to create limited-edition prints and books. Introduction to handset type, hand-carved relief plates and photopolymer plates. Emphasis on technical skills with tools and media, visual communication, and aesthetics of print media.

This course is offered by the Print & Book Arts program at Foothill College

SUMMER 2008
Mike Day will offers a 4-unit course that meets every other Saturday from August 2, 2008 - December 13, 2008

Explore the art & craft of Letterpress Printing using handset metal and wood type and photo polymer plates. Beginners and experienced printers welcome. Linocut and traditional letterpress cuts, 100+ cases of type and the opportunity to print on an 8" x 10" table top and a 10" x 15" floor model platen and a 20" x 36" flatbed cylinder press. In addition to class projects, students are encouraged to explore personal projects. You will take away a basic knowledge of letterpress printing techniques, both new and old and the historical foundation for each. Each student will participate in collaborative and individual projects and complete a class book by the end of the class.

Instructor: Mike Day, Instructor
Office: 1709, Foothill College campus
Phone: 408-505-6479
Email: daymichael@fhda.edu
Address: Mike Day, Foothill College, Print & Book Arts, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022-4599

Studio 1801
Class meets in Studio 1801 on the Foothill College campus in Los Altos Hills, California
Foothill's main campus

Meeting Times
Twelve Saturdays between August 2 to December 13, 2008.

- Saturday, August 2, 9:00 - 5:00 pm
- Saturday, August 16, 9:00 - 5:00 pm
- Saturday, August 30, 9:00 - 5:00pm 

- Saturday, September 6, 9:00 - 5:00 pm
- Saturday, September 20 9:00 - 5:00 pm

- Saturday, October 4, 9:00 - 5:00 pm
- Saturday, October 18, 9:00 - 5:00 pm

- Saturday, November 1, 9:00 - 5:00 pm
- Saturday, November 15, 9:00 - 5:00 pm
- Saturday, November 29, 9:00 - 5:00 pm

- Saturday, December 6, 9:00 - 5:00 pm
- Saturday, December 13, 9:00 - 3:00 pm

About the Course

Course Description:
Studio practice in letterpress printing to create limited-edition prints and books. Introduction to handset type, hand-carved relief plates and photopolymer plates. Emphasis on technical skills with tools and media, visual communication, and aesthetics of print media.

Course Objectives:
Provide activities, information, resources, support and excitement, that will enable class participants to:
• set and achieve goals for their individual development as artists working in the medium of artists’ books;
• share their information and skills with other participants and, in so doing, develop their skills as workshop leaders and teachers; and
• learn how to present book arts exhibitions and public activities that will generate interest and support for the book arts in the local Bay Area community

Expected Outcomes:
• understand and describe letterpress printing processes and materials.
• mix inks for letterpress printing.
• prepare and curate paper for letterpress printing.
• handset type for letterpress printing.
• prepare hand-carved and photographic relief plates for letterpress printing.
• create letterpress prints using a flatbed cylinder press and platen press.
• produce printed works of artistic merit.
• evaluate the content and composition of printed works.
• understand and help manage the operations of a letterpress printing facility.
• understand and practice the safe handling of equipment and materials.
• understand the history of letterpress printing and the contributions of diverse cultures.

Lecture Topics
• Letterpress printing: Theory and practice
• Printing materials: Ink, paper and solvents
• Press operations: Preparation, printing and cleanup
• Studio operations: Designing a efficient production environment
• Design & layout: Type & image as communication tools
• Metal Typefaces of the 20th Century: design, foundries and their history
• Communication design: Content, context, form & technique
• Graphic arts printing: History and contributors

Studio Demonstrations
• hand-setting wood and metal type
• carving relief plates by hand
• preparing photopolymer plates
• mixing ink
• relief printing on a flatbed cylinder press
• relief printing on a platen press
• press clean-up and maintenance